In a world of constantly improving technology, we are sometimes becoming less reliant on our own skills. A perfect example is our growing reliance on typing and voice recording, over physical handwriting. Teaching your child proper handwriting provides him with several benefits that typing and voice recording can never implement. In today’s k-5 classroom, up to 58% of instruction time is using a writing utensil and paper, versus 20% of instruction using technology. Poor handwriting can affect more than just academic and work performance. Your child’s self-esteem and confidence can also greatly affected by his handwriting abilities.
Some of the many benefits associated with your child having good handwriting are:
- Better fine motor skills. Holding a pencil, or other writing utensil, gives your child’s hand muscles a good workout and helps strengthen her pincher grasp. Both skills are necessary in other daily living aspects as well, such as eating, picking up objects, and getting dressed.
- Better retention of knowledge. By taking notes or doing school work with a pencil and paper, versus a computer, your child has a better chance at remembering and comprehending information, typically leading to better academic performance. Handwriting stimulates the Reticular Activating System (RAS) system of the brain. RAS helps filter all the information that the brain needs to process, giving importance to what he is currently working on.
- Improves focus and limits distractions. How many times have you sat down at a computer with a specific goal in mind, only to get distracted or constantly lose focus? Handwriting allows your child to focus on the task at hand without nearly the amount of distractions that come with typing on a computer.
- Provides a sensory experience. Each letter, number, or symbol, is formed by a distinct movement of the fingers and hand creating a unique sensory experience. Handwriting also provides stimulation across different senses. Visual and tactile (touch) senses are both used while writing by hand.
- Helps cognitive development. Handwriting engages your child’s memory, motor-skills, visual, perceptive parts of his brain, helping it get a good workout and remain sharp as he ages.
Sources: fyiliving.com | mentalfloss.com | hwtears.com
Handwriting: The Positive Benefits on Your Child
Shandy Marso, Contributor
